COLUMBIA, MO. -- As students and families sign new leases for apartments this month, firefighters and insurance agents want to remind everyone about the importance of renter’s insurance.

In most cases, policies carried by landlords do not protect tenants against loss.

A fire caused more than $50,000 worth of damage at 1403 Bass Avenue in Columbia early Saturday morning.  All 4 of the students which had moved there just last week did not have renter’s insurance.

Columbia firefighters said they respond to too many fires where tenants did not have renter’s insurance.  Investigators say the fire on Bass Avenue was likely caused by a couch that was accidentally set fire by a cigarette.

Columbia Fire Department Captain John Metz said, “Unfortunately, we see a lot of people that understand the importance of homeowner’s insurance if they own a home, but they don’t think if they are renting a unit, a duplex or an apartment to have renter’s insurance.  We’ve been to a number of fires where the tenants have not had renter’s insurance.  It’s very difficult for them to begin rebuilding their lives after a catastrophic fire.”

Insurance company officials said many renters have tight budgets and think they can’t afford to buy renter’s insurance.  The average price of a renter’s policy is about $15 a month.

State Farm Insurance Spokesman Jim Camoriano said, “If they would just take that money that they would pay for a pizza and instead apply it towards a renter’s policy, that’s all it takes.  About the price of one pizza a month, every month for a year gives you piece of mind should anything happen to your personal property.”

According to State Farm, about 70% of American renters do not buy renter’s insurance because they think they are covered by their landlord.

Talk to your landlord or your insurance agent for more information about Renter’s insurance.

Firefighters said renters should also protect their property by checking smoke alarms and having an escape plan with 2 ways out of your home.